The Blouse Perfected

This is Louise Cutting's new Blouse pattern.  It is updated from a previous pattern and has many options - collar and band, just the band, darts in front or back, straight hem with vent, curved hem, straight sleeve, or with a cuff and placket.

I have a wonderful pattern drafted with my Sure Fit Designs Dress kit, but wanted this pattern for Louise's excellent instructions and the collar and placket that come with the pattern.

I especially love the front band.  It is folded three times, and on the last third fold, is stitched and turned toward the front. That detail alone was worth the pattern.  I also like her collars, which are stitched in the center back and folded at the center front to alleviate bulk

I made a couple of alterations.  One was for a rounded back. The other was to alter the sides some.  The pattern has the sides going inward by about a half inch on the sides.  With my hips, they need to go out about a half inch!  So I just swung the sides out about an inch.

The fabric is a cotton/silk Ikat print from Dana Buchman that I purchased at Fabric Mart.

I'm sure I will use this pattern over and over again.

A Day Gown for Lydia

Every precious child coming into this world needs a sweet day gown.  My granddaughter is no exception.  this was the first dress I have pleated on my new Mary Jane Pleater and love how easy it was to use.
It took awhile for the smocking mojo to kick in, but with the help of the A to Z Smocking Book, I was able to get it done.  This is the first dress I have smocked in about 20 years.

The pattern is the The Tucked Infant Gown by Michie Mooney.  I love her patterns and have bought two more to work on for Lydia this summer. Here's a closer view of the front.

And here's a view of the hem with the tucks, lace, beading, and entredeux.  The #16 gathering foot for my Bernina came in handy for the lace on the neckline, sleeves, and hem.

As I was making this dress, I kept thinking about the fact that little Lydia will be wearing this in just a few weeks.  I can't wait!

A Quilt For Lydia

My precious granddaughter, Lydia will be arriving in mid June.  This is my first completed project for her, a quilt.  This is the first quilt I have quilted by machine with my Bernina Stitch Regulator, and I'm hooked!  It was so much fun and I loved the colors.  Thanks to Kudzu Quilts in Montgomery, AL for helping me pick out the colors.  The picture doesn't due it justice.  The colors are much more vivid.

It is wonderful sewing for a little girl again.  Currently, I'm working on a day gown that has been smocked with pale pink thread.  I hope to have it completed this weekend.  My goal is to make one more dress for Lydia before I go to Houston next month to see my daughter on her first Mother's Day.